The order of the day delivered by the Armed Forces Commander
General Joseph Aoun on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day

Esteemed soldiers
Independence Day comes upon us this year at a time where the positive feedback of the "Dawn of the Outskirts" operation still echoes locally and internationally after you have vanquished terrorism.

Esteemed soldiers
The exceptional political situation, which Lebanon is going through, requires you to adopt the highest levels of alertness and vigilance as well as commit to taking measures that shall preserve security and stability. This stability forms a strong base in reaching a breakthrough in bringing forth the intended political solutions and a bridge that allows us to cross once again from the shore of concern and skepticism to the shore of safety and salvation.

Esteemed soldiers
I call upon you to deal firmly with outlaws and perpetrators committing organized crimes and assaulting the citizens. I call upon you to be unyielding and resilient in countering any attempt to take advantage of the recent circumstances with the aim of stirring tumult, separation and chaos and jeopardizing our unity, national safety and the interests of the Lebanese.

In parallel, I call upon you to continue launching preemptive operations targeting terrorist cells until you are able to arrest every perpetrator who committed crimes against the Lebanese Army and the Lebanese people and to turn them in to the relevant judiciary authorities so that they may receive the appropriate retribution. I urge you to be fully prepared at the southern border in order to confront the Israeli enemy's threats and violations as well as its hostile schemes against Lebanon, its people and army.
You are called to remain vigilant to ensure the implementation of Resolution 1701 in close coordination and cooperation with the UNIFIL in order to preserve stability

Source: NNA